Outside of Gloucestershire, Stroud is known for its Bohemian culture and the wonderful "Made in Stroud" Farmers' Market held twice a month in Cornhill.

In addition to all the franchised shops normally to be found in a town, Stroud also boasts another thrice-weekly market at "The Shambles", which sells everything and anything from Bric-a-brac, to fresh vegetables and cheese.

Formally Stroud's meat market, The Shambles stalls overlook the historic Town hall and Parish Church buildings.  On the outer walls of the indoor market hall, you can still see the hinges of the giant wooden butcher blocks upon which John Wesley preached in 1742.